This is Brand Story, where host Steve Gilman talks with those on the front lines of brands: business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. Our guests represent a wide variety of roles and industries, but the lessons learned break through those walls, connecting us on shared themes of brand experience, leadership, storytelling and understanding your audience. You’ll hear unique stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from — because stories are what connects us.
…
continue reading
Steve Gilman Podcasts
A grandson chills with his grandpa and his friends. They have conversations you never hear between millennials and the silent generation. They have a handful of Call-In guests every episode to discuss a topic-from silly to heartbreaking and everything in between. They Grandpa & Chill.Please note: some episodes may contain affiliate links.
…
continue reading
Think TedTalks meets the federal space. Ideas from the outside applied to GovCon to drive change. Different perspectives, different ideas, different solutions. GovCon DIFFERENT invites the world experts to take a crack at GovCon problems to break down what they know into something you should. Insights and discoveries that breathe life and inspiration into the GovCon market. The GovCon DIFFERENT podcast scours the globe searching for the so called Crazy ones – the ones that are making a diffe ...
…
continue reading

1
The Devil Emails at Midnight ft. Mita Mallick
37:53
37:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:53Bad bosses are everywhere. We’ve all worked with them, and if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments where we’ve been them. In episode 96 of Brand Story, Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author, returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight. We explore why toxic behaviors are so persistent in…
…
continue reading

1
Building Brand Loyalty ft. Phyllis Rothschild
38:43
38:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:43How do you stand out in a crowded market where products all look the same? By building a brand that’s authentic, consistent, and audience-first. In episode 95 of Brand Story, we speak with Phyllis Rothschild, CMO of Pete & Gerry's Organics, to explore how she helped turn a commodity into a mission-driven brand that people trust and stay loyal to. F…
…
continue reading
Toby Myles, Strategic Copywriter, knows the power of a good story, and she’s built her business on helping others tell theirs. In episode 94 of Brand Story, she talks about why storytelling is the most human (and effective) marketing tool we have and how to spot stories hiding in plain sight. From her Spoonful of Comfort email marketing story to he…
…
continue reading

1
Experience is Brand ft. John McNeil
1:02:20
1:02:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:20In episode 93 of Brand Story, we sit down with John McNeil, Founder & CEO of John McNeil Studio, for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a brand. From his early days in traditional agencies to pioneering the studio model, John shares how his team helps brands move beyond deliverables to a system where everything from strategy …
…
continue reading

1
Branding Beyond Algorithms ft. Rand Fishkin
54:29
54:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:29In episode 92 of Brand Story, we welcome back Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to talk about brand vs. algorithm, the value of real audience research, and the dangers of chasing attention without purpose. He shares the story behind SparkToro, why so many marketers don’t actually know their audience, and how optimizing for vanity metrics …
…
continue reading

1
Marketing in a Zero-Click World ft. Rand Fishkin
24:20
24:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:20In today’s digital landscape, marketers are being asked to do more with less—less clarity, less control, and often, less trust in what’s actually working. To explore this shift, we sat down with Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to unpack what’s changing, what’s still true, and what marketers need to relearn to build brands that actually …
…
continue reading
What if happiness is the most powerful brand strategy no one’s paying attention to? Mark Lester, Co-Founder and CSO at Squint, joins us to talk about how brands can drive massive impact, not by leaning harder into industry claims or trend forecasts, but by reconnecting with something far more fundamental: joy. From reimagining Ollipop as a “happine…
…
continue reading
Steve Murphy, the DEA agent directly involved in taking down Pablo Escobar shares his story. You've seen the Netflix version portrayed in NARCOS. Now hear from the man himself. From jungle raids to city shoot outs, this is mission story telling at its best.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading
Creative leadership, brand strategy, and the future of the industry—Troy Hitch, Global Chief Creative Officer at RAPP, shares how he approaches it all. From empowering teams to rethinking the role of brand in an AI-driven world, episode 89 explores what it means to lead well and build work that resonates. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating …
…
continue reading
Gina Grillo, President and CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York, joins us on episode 88 of Brand Story to talk about building community in advertising, staying relevant through change, and why it’s time to rethink who gets a seat at the table. From championing diversity to shaking up the ANDY Awards, Gina shares what it takes to lead with intent…
…
continue reading

1
General Petraeus - Leadership on the World's Largest Stage
1:19:37
1:19:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:37Gripping stories on leadership, motivation, and driving change while being shot at. From political intrigue with presidents and prime ministers to cutting deals in the Baghdad marketplace, General Petraeus provides revealing insights and concrete practices critical for all leaders.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading
What does it look like to lead with both intuition and intention? As Partner and Global Head of Design at Known, Aya Baeshean brings a fresh, fearless perspective to the world of branding. In episode 87 of Brand Story, Aya shares how her early experiences as a multicultural, multilingual child shaped her creative voice and ultimately her approach t…
…
continue reading

1
Designing Iconic Products ft. Robert Brunner
38:10
38:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:10Industrial design impacts our daily lives more than we realize. But what separates good design from great design? In episode 86 of Brand Story, we hear from Robert Brunner, Founder/Partner at Ammunition, about the philosophy behind creating industry-defining products. From game-changing innovations like Beats by Dre and Square to the balance of ris…
…
continue reading
The US is locked in a digital and cyber arms race. And the CIA has no intentions of coming in second. Jennifer Ewbank, Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, shares the story of digitizing the Agency at the speed of mission.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading
In episode 85 of Brand Story, host Steve Gillman welcomes back Terry Szuplat, former speechwriter for President Obama and author of the award-winning book "Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, and Inspire Any Audience." Terry shares insights on the power of storytelling in leadership and communication, emphasizing how compelling narrative…
…
continue reading
Gas stations in space, a historic breakthrough that will fuel a booming space economy. Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab’s CEO, breaks down the current space refueling dilemma–all spacecrafts only have one tank of fuel–and how their space tankers and shuttles have overcome this challenge to open up the solar system for business.…
…
continue reading
Most Americans are unaware of how profoundly AI will change their lives. National Security Commissioner on Artificial Intelligence, Robert Work delivers an ice bucket wake up call. We're about to go on a journey packed with incredible opportunities and sobering stakes. Is America ready? Read the full report at NSCAI.gov…
…
continue reading
In Minority Report, Tom Cruise sees the precog's vision of the future and stops crimes before they happen. Could these futuristic outcomes be possible? National Security Commissioner on Artificial Intelligence, Gilman Louie explains how AI is transforming the Spy Game and the consequences of falling behind China. Read the full report on America's A…
…
continue reading

1
Season 4 Favorite Moments | Brand Story Ep. 84
27:43
27:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:43From content marketing and branding to creative strategy and AI, this season of Brand Story featured insights from professionals at the forefront of their industries. In this episode of Brand Story, we revisit some of our favorite moments, showcasing advice on innovation, leadership, creativity, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Whet…
…
continue reading
Daniella Taveau shares her story of international diplomacy and bridging cultural divides through the power of musical performances fostered by the The Embassy Series.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading

1
Ending Innovation Tourism - Dr. Melissa Flagg
1:12:05
1:12:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:05Dr. Melissa Flagg calls for an end to innovation tourism in order to regain thought leadership and systematically adopt new innovations as national security becomes fixated on technical superiority.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading

1
Getting It Together (with Angela Harvey)
1:13:41
1:13:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:41Author, poet, award-winning filmmaker, and Growthologist Angela Harvey "teaches grown people how to grow up": relearning how to manage our emotions and be authentic and honest. We're ending 2024 on a high, talking about loving life, being open with ourselves, and learning to be comfortable speaking the truth. Her latest book, Poetic Alchemy, is an …
…
continue reading

1
Better Than Ever (with Benen Dykstra)
1:05:45
1:05:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:45We're back and better than ever in this episode. This week we're back with longtime friend of the show, Benen Dykstra. We're talkin' life, relationships, breakdancing, and looking back to when we first met four years ago. Make sure to tune in to The Sit Down Stand Out Show wherever you listen to podcasts. Special thanks to our Amazing Guest Benen D…
…
continue reading

1
Customer-Centric Innovation ft. Alicia Knight
34:46
34:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:46The best brands don’t become successful by standing still — they change and evolve alongside their customers. As a Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines, Alicia has seen her fair share of change — in fact, she’s leading it. In episode 83 of Brand Story, Alicia shares insights from the airline industry and the changes she’s seen o…
…
continue reading

1
Uncovering the Truth (with Gavin Stone)
1:12:02
1:12:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:02They tried to silence us, but we will never give in. In one of our most technically-challenged episodes yet, we wonder: did our stream go silent, or was it silenced? Join us this week as we talk with author and retired spy Gavin Stone about our favorite spy tropes, what it really takes to be a spy, and changing careers. Special thanks to our Amazin…
…
continue reading
Being a successful creative leader takes three things — strong communication, a willingness to collaborate, and the ability to challenge yourself. In episode 82 of Brand Story, Chief Creative Officer at Rethink, Tara Lawall, talks about the transition from being a senior creative to a creative director and how having a supportive culture plays a ro…
…
continue reading
Are you building brand love or animosity? Whether it’s targeting the wrong people, publishing bad creative, or even oversaturating the market, there are many different ways marketing efforts can harm rather than help your brand. In episode 81 of Brand Story, Ross Martin, President and Co-Founder of Known, shares the different ways companies are was…
…
continue reading
Human first, transparency, accountability, and relentless curiosity. These are the standards that define 1440 — the daily newsletter that keeps millions of Americans informed about the latest headlines, without motives. In episode 80 of Brand Story, Co-Founder & CEO of 1440, Tim Huelskamp, shares the story of how 1440 came to be, the impact taking …
…
continue reading
"I'm too sophisticated to be scammed, that happens to elderly people." Think again. Global crime organizaitons have stepped up their game with new attacks you won't recognize, and the under 50 crowd are twice as likely to get scammed. Ken Westbrook, CEO of Stop Scams Alliance is on a mission to inform you and stop them.…
…
continue reading
When you hear the phrase “72 and sunny” you’re probably picturing blue skies, sunshine, and comfortable temperatures. That’s the feeling the ad agency, 72andSunny, grabs hold of every day. In episode 79 of Brand Story, Lauren shares stories from her time as Executive Creative Director of 72andSunny, including how her team tackled the United Airline…
…
continue reading

1
A Culture of Learning featuring Joseph McBee
41:13
41:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:13Continuous learning is a crucial aspect of organizational improvement. Just ask Senior Instructional Designer and e-Learning Specialist at Canon, Joseph McBee. When organizations encourage employees to engage in ongoing learning and development opportunities, they can stay ahead of industry trends, adapt to changing conditions, and drive innovation…
…
continue reading

1
Same Passions, New Mediums (with Jennifer Manocherian)
1:02:30
1:02:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:30When does your story begin? This week we talk with author and theater vet Jennifer Manocherian about writing her book, Alpha Bette. Join us as we discuss the challenges of writing a book, storytelling in different mediums, technology and art, and bridging generational gaps. Special thanks to our Amazing Guest Jennifer Manocherian: Website Alpha Bet…
…
continue reading

1
Immersive Brand Experiences featuring Maya Guice
39:40
39:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:40Define your audience. Be genuine. Tell your story. As the Director of Strategy at BRC Imagination Arts, Maya Guice helps translate brand and cultural stories into transformative human experiences. In this episode, we hear from Maya about how she uses authentic storytelling techniques to bring stories to life, and the importance of including diverse…
…
continue reading

1
The Art of Human Centered Design - Shashank Khandelwal
53:52
53:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:52“If you think technology can solve your problems, then you don’t understand technology and you don’t understand your problems” (Four Talks by Laurie Anderson). Moved by this quote, Shashank Khandelwal, CEO of Blue Tiger shares how to overcome barriers to Human Centered Design within government agencies in order to build technology that users actual…
…
continue reading

1
Brand Story Breakroom: Going the Extra Mile
27:00
27:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:00Think customer service only applies to your frontline employees? Think again. In this episode of Brand Story, Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, take a deep dive into what makes up good (and bad) customer service and how it impacts brand experience. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories o…
…
continue reading
This week we got tired of dumping on AI and sat with podcaster and tech expert Shawn Keen. Being blind for most of his life, Shawn has a unique experience with artificial intelligence, beyond the generative AI craze being shoved in our faces at every turn. Join us as we talk all things new technology, podcasting, and some of the incredible strength…
…
continue reading

1
Self-Doubt to Self-Acceptance featuring Lan Phan
51:22
51:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:22Everyone experiences moments of self-doubt, and Lan Phan is no exception. As the founder & CEO of community of SEVEN, Lan moved to the U.S. at a young age with her family and worked in a nail salon before climbing the corporate ladder. In this episode, Lan shares the lessons she learned and the daily habits she implemented to help create a more mea…
…
continue reading

1
A Digital CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)
1:07:15
1:07:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:15AI unchecked is a massive problem. "We need a place, or places, in public service where we can collaborate with citizens and private sector partners to develop new ways to conduct the business of public service." The A Team – Chuck Brooks, Dr. David Bray, and Dr. Tiffany Vora – tackle the challenge. We love it when a plan comes together!…
…
continue reading

1
A Food Influencer's Life featuring Philip Tzeng
34:44
34:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:44Las Vegas has no shortage of food choices, and Philip Tzeng has them all at his fingertips. As a content creator and food marketer based in Las Vegas, Philip has gained a huge following by sharing positive restaurant reviews and building relationships within the Vegas food scene. In this episode, he’s pulling back the curtain to talk about what goe…
…
continue reading

1
Leveraging Your Humanity featuring David J.P. Fisher
46:40
46:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:40Human beings are wired for connections. So how do we leverage our humanity to build those connections when technology seems to be pushing us in the other direction? In this episode, Steve speaks with David J.P. Fisher, Author of "Networking in the 21st Century" and President of RockStar Consulting, about the importance of storytelling, building tru…
…
continue reading
“Change the culture” - a commonly offered cure for agency modernization challenges. But how can a CIO/CTO actually do it? Sujey Edward, CTO IBM Federal, busts through the bureaucracy providing concrete examples that drive change.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading

1
"No Way, They Were Gay?" (with Lee Wind)
1:13:38
1:13:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:38We are constantly learning new things about our history—from new perspectives on opposing sides, to entire histories that have been excluded from our textbooks and archives. Our guest today is the incredibly insightful historical mastermind and author Lee Wind. We discuss his personal discovery of Abraham Lincoln's real love, Joshua Speed, and how …
…
continue reading

1
Harnessing the Potential of AI featuring Alison McCauley
50:48
50:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:48In this episode, Alison McCauley, Best-Selling Author and AI Strategist, and our president, Steve Gilman, revisit the world of AI and the importance of developing a relationship with AI tools. They discuss the acceleration of AI adoption over the past two years and how organizations and individuals can respond to make sure they aren’t left behind. …
…
continue reading

1
Crafting the Right Marketing Mix featuring Gina Michnowicz
42:18
42:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:18Being creative means having the courage to take risks. It means rolling with the punches, pivoting when needed, and evolving your ideas to create an end result that resonates with your audience. In this episode, Gina Michnowicz, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Craftsman Agency, offers her insights into creating integrated marketing campaigns …
…
continue reading

1
Creating a Video Content Strategy featuring Tom Langan
49:08
49:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:08Ever wonder how a two-time Emmy nominee approaches storytelling? Tom Langan has spent his 20-year career in television keeping one thing consistent: appealing to the human side of storytelling. In this episode, Tom addresses the need for a strategic approach to content creation and putting your audience first. We hear snippets from his book, Legend…
…
continue reading

1
The Grandparent Merit Badge (with Dave Grunenwald)
1:12:10
1:12:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:10How do you stay connected without a screen in the way? Sometimes it feels impossible to compete with having the whole world in your fingertips. Our guest today, Dave Grunenwald, encourages us to "disconnect from the digital" with the Grandparent Merit Badge. Listen with us and learn how to find new (and old) ways to engage with the people close and…
…
continue reading

1
Personal Branding on LinkedIn featuring Liam Darmody
39:22
39:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:22For brand strategist, Liam Darmody, LinkedIn is the go-to place to help build a strong personal brand. Like other social media platforms, LinkedIn has evolved over time, growing from a place to look for jobs to a place of cultivating connections. It’s a place to attract unknown opportunities – if you use it right. In this episode, Liam shares his t…
…
continue reading
AI is software that behaves like a human, and it’s that mindset that Conor Grennan, Dean of Students and Head of Generative AI at NYU Stern, helps people understand. In this episode, we dive into what the future of AI holds and its impact across various fields and industries. Conor highlights the critical role of communication skills in an era incr…
…
continue reading
Got what it takes to win a $2.1 B TSA contract? Rob Baum, TechFlow CEO sharesthe playbook to forge deep customer relationships through creative mission solutions and relentless performance that go well beyond the contract.By GovCon Different
…
continue reading

1
Content Marketing Simplified featuring Dana Herra
43:59
43:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:59How do you develop a strong content marketing strategy? Dana Herra, Content Marketer, Copywriter, and Editor, would break it up into five chapters: foundation, audience, messaging, distribution, and measurement. In this episode, Dana shares her tips for creating a successful content marketing strategy, how repetition and consistency help build trus…
…
continue reading